Thursday, June 10, 2010

Delegate Craig Rice (D-15) has announced his intention to run for Council District 2 (Upcounty), which incumbent Mike Knapp is vacating. Rice has already earned a spot on the Apple Ballot. Following is his press release.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2010Contact: Rebecca Smondrowski, 301-325-6246

Rice Announces Bid for County Council

GERMANTOWN, Md. – Maryland State Delegate Craig Rice has declared his candidacy for Montgomery County Council representing District 2. Rice, a resident of Germantown, currently represents upper Montgomery County in the Maryland General Assembly.

“Craig is one of the bright young talents in the Maryland legislature,” said House Speaker Michael E. Busch. And Rice plans to put that talent to use as the next District 2 representative of the Montgomery County Council. “In Annapolis, I have been adamant about creating measures that ensure the economic vitality, health, safety and educational prosperity of Montgomery County residents,” says Rice. “While I have relished my time in Annapolis, seeing the challenges our County faces made me realize I want to be on the front lines, ensuring the way of life we love, is protected.”

Reflecting on his time in Annapolis, Rice says "I am greatful to have had the chance to work with and learn from so many amazing people. Among them, Senator Rob Garagiola, Delegate Brian Feldman, and Delegate Kathleen Dumais have been a great team to work with. I have learned so much from them and my ability to put that knowledge to work has made my time in Annapolis an invaluable experience."

Rice will use his four years of experience in the Maryland House of Delegates to help create new measures to address the County’s budget deficit. One such proposal would explore rewarding departments that find ways to permanently cut their administrative expenses, with year-end salary increases tied to a percentage of the savings they achieve.

Meeting with leaders, regardless of political affiliation and across county and State lines, he is working to identify other innovative methods to strengthen our county’s fiscal health.

Before serving in the House, Rice worked for Marriott International and Aramark Corporation and served as a business development manager for the Puerto Rican Government. In Annapolis, he serves on the Ways and Means committee as well as the Montgomery County Delegation’s Land Use and Transportation committee. His experience with those entities will undoubtedly serve him well in a County Council role.

“I’m looking forward to this campaign and I am ready to continue discussing the issues and concerns of our Montgomery County residents, helping our County maintain its status as a great place to live and work.”

Rice’s campaign kickoff will be announced shortly and his 3rd Annual family fun day is being held on July 10th. Both events will include key local Democratic leaders as well as representatives from the business, education, public safety, labor, and nonprofit communities.